Florida State Football: Final report card for Seminoles in 2020-21

Overall Defensive Grade: F

This was a zero year for Florida State football. That was the consensus by many who follow the program. Mike Norvell and his staff were in their first year, and the Seminoles got in a few spring practices before the world stopped because of COVID-19. Despite the issues Florida State had coming into the season, the Seminoles’ defense was supposed to be talented enough to keep them in some games.

Marvin Wilson, Joshua Kaindoh, Asante Samuel, Jr, and Hamsah Nasirildeen all decided to return to Tallahassee to help turn the program around. Their efforts proved futile. Wilson was injured and decided not to return, Kaindoh and had a sub-par season, Nasirildeen flashed but was not healthy returning from an injury. Samuel was the only defender who played well last season for the Seminoles.

Outstanding Defensive Players: 

• Asante Samuel, Jr., DB: 30 total tackles, three interceptions, six passes defended, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble

Despite the defense’s struggles this past season, Asante Samuel played like an early-round pick most of the season. Samuel showed elite ball skills, often tasked with shadowing the opposition’s best wide receiver.

Defensive Line: F

The defensive line did not generate much of a pass rush and did not push against the run. The Seminoles finished 97th in rush yards allowed per game (199.2) at 5.1 yards per rush attempt. The pass rush was even worse. Janarius Robinson led the Seminoles with three sacks. There was not a Florida State player who had more than one. Their 10 sacks and 1.1 sacks per game ranked 119th in the country. It does not matter how well you cover, if there is no pass rush, someone is going to get open eventually.

Linebackers: D

The Linebackers were the best group on the defense. The defensive line did them no favors in the run game, but the Seminoles’ top three tacklers were their linebackers. Amari Gainer and Emmet Rice also led the Seminoles in tackles for loss. This was a good season for a corps anchored by two underclassmen.

Secondary: D-

The secondary is not completely to blame for the Seminoles’ porous pass defense. Anytime a defense can only generate 10 sacks in a single season, someone is bound to get open.

As a result, Florida State finished 98th in passing yards allowed, 95th in passer efficiency, and 46th in interceptions. A defensive back can only mirror and chase for so long until a receiver gets free. The Seminoles had issues getting home when they blitzed which is even worse when defensive backs are in in man coverage.

Special Teams: D

The special teams had its share of issues as well. Kickers made just 57 percent of field goals and missed an extra point.

The return game was not very good either. Travis Jay led he Seminoles in return yards. There were no kick or punt returns for touchdowns.